Youth Education Programs - Saturday Classes & Weekday Hebrew
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
The BJC Youth Education Program provides a warm, lively, and creative environment in which students develop a solid understanding of Judaism and a positive Jewish identity. Students also acquire the skills and ethics necessary to become responsible and motivated members of Jewish and diverse communities that make up our world.
We welcome all students! Our membership includes Jews from traditional and liberal religious backgrounds, secular Jews, intermarried couples, and their families. BJC welcomes students who have not yet enjoyed an organized religious school model as they begin to reach traditional B’nai Mitzvah age.
- Grades K-6 attend two Saturday morning Judaics sessions a month.
- Tichon Teen class for Grades 7-10 meets one Saturday morning a month.
- All grades come together for our family activity one Saturday a month.
- Grades 4-7 have twice weekly one-on-one Hebrew sessions.
SCHEDULE
HEBREW
No More Midweek Commute: Twice Weekly 1:1 Hebrew Instruction with our Gifted Teachers!
BJC has the solution to the DC traffic blues and challenges faced by working parents. Our online Midweek Hebrew School consists of two intensive 20-minute session each week with individual attention from a BJC teacher to help your child progress at his or her own pace. It offers Hebrew reading through an interactive Judaic curriculum. Students learn how to read the Hebrew language, learn the prayers necessary to become B’nai Mitzvah and participate in Jewish worship, and gain a love for Judaism while learning about Jewish tradition.
CURRICULUM
Our experienced staff uses a variety of teaching methods, including social action projects, field trips, art, music, plays, text, crafts, games, and cooking.
Weekend classes take place in person at BJC. In addition to reinforcement of the weekday online Hebrew curriculum, students also experience a short shabbat service and learn about Jewish holidays, values, culture, history, dance, and music, with time built into the school day for building community.
Our older students also spend time in discussion with their teachers, focusing on the social justice issues of the day with an emphasis on the underlying principles and tenets of Judaism. Our students in the 10th grade form the Confirmation Class. Confirmation is held in conjunction with Shavuot. Working with the Rabbi, the students create the service.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
In addition to Youth Education classes, BJC offers a wide array of special events through the year that help children learn about and connect to their Jewish heritage, including:
- High Holiday Family Services
- Kids Kiddush
- Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration
- Purim Carnival
- Passover Seder
- Shabbat Under the Stars
- Cultural and service events
B'NAI MITZVAH
At BJC, B’nai Mitzvah is a personalized experience that embraces each child and all family members regardless of religious background. Our Rabbi works closely with each student, preparing him or her for this important milestone in leading a Shabbat service.
FEES
BJC will work with any family if youth education fees present a challenge.
Any new family enrolling students in Hebrew School receives a free current fiscal year* long membership at BJC; a security fee of $125 will be charged per family. We offer a tuition discount if enrolling multiple children. Register by August 1 to receive an additional $25 discount!
* Fiscal year begins July 1
SATURDAY SHABBAT AND JUDAICS PROGRAM (GRADES K-6)
- One child: $885
- Two children: $1720
- Three children: $2535
WEEKDAY HEBREW ONLINE SESSIONS (GRADES 4-7)
- Per child: $1300
TICHON (GRADES 7-10)
- Per student: $600
To learn more about the BJC Youth Education program, contact Religious School Coordinator Becky Leavey by clicking here.
